Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer isn’t entirely preventable, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Some risk factors—like age, gender, and genetics—can’t be changed. However, lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco can help reduce your risk. For people with a high genetic risk, preventive options like enhanced or early screening, medication, or even preventive surgery may be recommended. Regular breast check-ups and mammograms are also vital to catching breast cancer early when it’s most treatable.

Yes, breast cancer is often curable, especially when detected early. Many people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer go on to live long, healthy lives after receiving treatment. The chances of a cure depend on several factors, including the type of breast cancer, how early it’s caught, and how well it responds to treatment. Localized breast cancer (confined to the breast) has a very high survival rate, often over 90%, with proper care.

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often forming a lump or mass. While there’s no single cause, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer:

• Genetics: Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can raise your risk.
• Hormones: Early periods, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and having your first child after age 30 can increase lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which may contribute to breast cancer.
• Family History: Having a close relative with breast cancer, especially at a young age, can raise your risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: Drinking alcohol, being overweight (especially after menopause), lack of physical activity, and radiation exposure can all play a role.
• Age and Gender: Breast cancer is more common in women and becomes more likely as you get older.

Most women should start getting annual mammograms at age 40. This is the age when breast cancer risk begins to rise, and early screening helps detect cancer before symptoms appear. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier, around age 30, and may also suggest additional imaging like breast MRI if you have a higher risk, such as a strong family history, a BRCA gene mutation, or prior chest radiation. After age 55, some women may switch to getting mammograms every two years, depending on their health history and provider’s guidance. Consult your primary care doctor to create a screening plan tailored to your unique risk factors.

Yes, men can get breast cancer, though it’s rare. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, but it can still be serious. Because it’s not commonly discussed, men often delay seeking care, which can lead to a later diagnosis. All men have a small amount of breast tissue, and cancer can develop there just as it can in women. Warning signs include a lump in the chest area, swelling, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or changes to the nipple. If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend you see a men’s health doctor as soon as possible. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful male breast cancer treatment.

If you’ve received an abnormal breast exam or mammogram result, your best next step is to follow up with your primary care provider or gynecologist, not urgent care. Both primary care and OB-GYN providers are trained to evaluate breast health concerns and can help coordinate additional testing, like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy.